DE69510799T2 - PLATE COLLECTORS FOR AMBIENT HEAT - Google Patents

Abstract

A building (1) has a roof structure (2) clad with a plurality of ambient heat collection tiles in the form of panels (3), mounted on parallel battens (4) carried by roof rafters (10), and disposed in edge-overlapping relationship. The panels (3) are of identical form. Each panel comprises a plank-like aluminum extrusion of substantial length and of rectangular plan form, having edge-coupling portions (5, 6). The interior of each panel (3) is formed with pair of substantially parallel ducts (7, 8) disposed side by side, which define flow and return paths respectively, for a heat transfer fluid, such as water. The flow and return ducts (7, 8) are divided from each other by an integral barrier wall (9). A panel (3) is not of uniform lateral cross section throughout its length. The cross section is uniform except at the ends where the dividing wall (9) has been cut away at one end so as to allow water to pass from the flow path (7) to the return path (8) in a re-entrant manner. The adjacent end of the panel (3) is closed-off by a blanking plug secured in place by welding or by adhesive.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to collector plates for ambient heat.

[0002] Such panels can be used as bricks and/or cladding on buildings to collect heat from the surrounding atmosphere and, if available, from the direct rays of the sun. DE-A-25 29 976 discloses a panel intended to be heated by the direct rays of the sun.

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an ambient heat collector plate having first and second opposed edge regions, an outer surface and an opposed lower surface, and substantially parallel internal conduits providing supply and return paths for heat transfer fluid; said first edge region having a lateral extension for overlapping said second edge region of an adjacent such plate; characterized in that said first edge region is shaped to interlock with said second edge region of an adjacent such plate, and said second edge region is shaped to interlock with said first edge region of an adjacent such plate, and in that a substantially L-shaped projection provided on said lower surface for supporting the panel to a panel support structure, the projection being shaped to engage a corresponding panel fixing bracket for fixing the panel to said support structure.

[0004] The conduits are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other side by side. The plate is preferably an extruded molded piece.

[0005] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an ambient heat collector system comprising a plurality of plates as defined by said one aspect of the invention engaged by said first and second edge regions thereof, the supply and return paths being connected to a heat storage device.

[0006] Preferably, the system further comprises heat pump means for transferring heat from said heat storage means to the device which utilises the heat. Preferably, the heat pump means is arranged to transfer heat from said heat storage means to a further heat storage means. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side view, in central section, of the roof structure of a building and illustrates the embodiment,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a semi-schematic plan view, in central section, of a plate with added detail and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary end view, in central section, illustrating a further embodiment.

[0007] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a building 1 comprising a house has a two-sided or pitched roof structure cladding 2 comprising a plurality of ambient heat collector tiles in the form of panels 3 secured to substantially parallel roof battens 4 supported by rafters 10. The panels 3 are arranged in edge-overlapping relationship.

[0008] The panels 3 are of identical shape. Each panel comprises a formwork-like aluminum extrusion of substantial length and of rectangular shape in plan view, with edge-coupling portions 5, 6.

[0009] Each elongate plate 3 is formed with a pair of substantially parallel conduits 7, 8 arranged side by side. The conduits 7, 8 define supply and return paths, respectively, for heat exchange fluid, which in this example is water. The water contains antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors.

[0010] The panels 3 are arranged in rows on the rafters 10, with each panel extending lengthwise over its side of the roof structure 2.

[0011] The flow and return lines 7, 8 are separated from each other by an integral partition wall 9.

[0012] A plate 3 is not of uniform cross-section along its length. The cross-section is uniform except at the ends where, see Fig. 3, the partition wall 9 has been cut away at one end so as to allow water to flow from the flow path 7 to the return path 8 in a recurring manner, i.e. in a hairpin manner. The cutting of the wall 9 can be achieved by a milling operation.

[0013] The adjacent end of the plate 3 is closed by a closure plug 15 which is fixed in place by welding or by adhesive.

[0014] The opposite end of the plate 3 is closed by a closure plug 16, which comes to rest against the adjacent cut end of the partition wall 9. The plug 16 is also suitably fixed in place.

[0015] The closure plug 16 receives lines 35, 36, which respectively provide communication with the lines 7, 8.

[0016] Referring to Figure 2, the edge-coupling portion 5 is formed with an outwardly projecting lateral extension 5a terminating in an enlarged head 5b defining a longitudinal groove 17. The groove 17 can accommodate a flexible weatherproofing strip 18.

[0017] The section 5 is also formed with an elongated recess 19, which has a lower web 20, as well as a lengthwise extending foot 21, which rests on a roof batten 4 (Fig. 1).

[0018] The edge-coupling portion 6 is formed with an outwardly projecting extension 6a which is formed with a longitudinally extending groove 25 which accommodates a flexible weather strip 26. The portion 6 is also formed with an outwardly projecting rib 27 which bears against the web 20 of the adjacent panel. The contacting lower surface of the rib 27 and the upper surface of the web 20 taper as shown.

[0019] The edge coupling portion 6 is also provided with a longitudinally extending projection 28 which is substantially L-shaped. This receives at longitudinally spaced intervals panel fixing brackets 29 having hook-like ends 29a which engage the projection 28 as shown. The brackets 29 are fixed to the rafters 10 by means of battens 4 and nails 30.

[0020] The slats 4 can be replaced by a board which extends between a foot 21 and a bracket 29.

[0021] As best shown by Figure 1, the panels 3 of each side of the roof 2 rest on each other in overlapping relation. An edge portion 6 of one panel 3 is received by the edge portion 5 of the adjacent panel 3 so that adjacent panels engage each other at their edges.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 3, in use the water is passed through the inner pipes 7, 8 of the roof panels 3 on each side of the roof 2 using circulation pumps 104 (one for each roof side) arranged in pipes 105. The pipes 105 are connected to heat exchanger coils 100, 101 arranged in low temperature 102 and medium temperature heat accumulators 103.

[0023] On each side of the roof 2, water is pumped up the initial supply line 7' of the first panel 3 in the line, then down the initial return line 8 of that panel to enter the supply line 7 of the next panel in the line. The flow through the roof panels 3 continues, first in a line 7, then in a line 8 from panel to panel, until it finally exits from the line 8 of the last panel 3 in the line. Here the outflow is mixed with the outflow from the last line 8 of the last panel 3 in the line on the other side of the roof 2.

[0024] The common output 106 flows back to the heat exchanger windings 100, 101 in the low-temperature and medium-temperature heat storage tanks 102, 103.

[0025] There is also a high-temperature heat storage, namely 110.

[0026] A heat pump is used to transfer heat from the low temperature storage 102 to the medium temperature storage 103 and from the medium temperature storage 103 to the high temperature storage 110 in a controlled manner according to the operating requirements for domestic use. The heat pump is mainly used during off-peak periods of electricity tariffs.

[0027] Thermostats T₂, T₃, T₅, T₆ are used to transfer heat from tank to tank according to temperature gradients. For example, if the roof water temperature is greater than that present in the low temperature tank 102, the thermostat T₆ causes the pump 104 to run.

[0028] Thus, heat from the ambient atmosphere is collected by the plates 3, in particular the upper surfaces 5 thereof, and is transferred to the water flowing through the inner pipes 7, 8. The heat is then transferred to a heat collection basin and/or to radiators which are in the Building 1.

[0029] Figure 1 also illustrates the use of an eaves-finishing mold 45 which is a short form of the panel 3 having the equivalent of an end section 6 but not the equivalent of an end section 5. The mold 45 is fixed in place by a batten 4 (or board) and fixing nails 30.

[0030] The previously described embodiment has two internal conduits, namely the supply and return conduits 7, 8. In a modification, a plate has four internal conduits. Water is then caused to flow along a first conduit, then back through a second conduit, then in reverse flow direction through a third conduit and finally in counterflow along the fourth conduit, all the conduits being adjacent to each other. An increased number of plugs and conduits, equivalent to the plugs 15, 16 and conduits 35, 36 are required for this modification.

[0031] The size of a plate 3 may vary according to requirements.

[0032] A plate 3 of the illustrated example has a width of 235 to 250 mm and a length of 6 to 10 m. The lines 7 and 8 are 12 to 20 mm high.

[0033] Should panels of greater length be required, the panels 3 could be provided in pairs, each pair being connected end to end by a plug defining a water inlet and a water outlet, opposite ends of the plug fitting into the conduits 7, 8 of the two panels. The partition walls 9 of the panels are cut back as before to allow insertion of the plug.

[0034] Where the panels 3 are joined, the joint may be covered by aluminium flashing and a drip tray is arranged below the joint to collect and drain any rainwater that may enter.

[0035] Deflector plates may also be provided to protect gables and junctions and ridge tiles which are used to extend over two sides of a pitched roof. Ridge tiles may be conventional or may comprise panels according to the invention, being V-shaped when viewed in lateral cross-section. Ridge tiles according to the invention may have equalization and expansion tanks incorporated therein. Such tanks may be tubular in shape.

[0036] The panels may extend upwards across a roof structure, rather than from side to side as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Thus, the panels may extend from the eaves to the ridge of a roof.

[0037] Panels according to the invention may take various forms. Figure 4 illustrates a group of substantially parallel eaves to ridge ambient heat collector panels 61 supported by rafters 63 and battens 62. Each panel 61 is of distinct roll form and has incorporated therein water flow conduits of part-circle form, namely conduits 64, 65, 66. Connecting distribution pipes 70, 71 communicating with a heat pump 37 (Figure 3) are arranged alternately at eaves and ridge so that water flows from eaves to ridge along conduit 64, then in counterflow from ridge to eaves along conduit 65, then in reverse flow along conduit 66, followed by ridge to eaves flow along conduit 64 of the adjacent panel 61.

[0038] A partial circular side edge 73 of one plate 61 overlaps the conduit 66 of another as shown. A seal 74 may be arranged between the overlapping sections. One plate 61 has support legs 75 and an edge-mounted lug 76 which cooperates with a hook-like bracket 77 which is fixed to the batten 62 at point 78. Another bracket, namely bracket 80, which is of inverted L-shape with a laterally projecting lug 85, engages a support leg 75 and is fixed to the batten 62 and the rafter 63 at points 81, 82.

[0039] A plate 61 is made of extruded aluminum. It does not have the equivalent of the partition walls 9 built in (Fig. 3).

[0040] A building could be entirely clad with panels according to the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A collector plate (3) for ambient heat, which comprises: first and second opposite end regions; an outer surface and an opposite lower surface; and substantially parallel internal conduits (7, 8; 64, 66) defining supply (7, 64) and return (8, 66) paths for heat exchange fluid; said first edge region having a lateral extension (5a, 73) for overlapping said second edge region of an adjacent such plate; CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT said first edge portion is shaped to engage said second edge portion of an adjacent such plate, and said second edge portion is shaped to engage said first edge portion of an adjacent such plate, and AS A RESULT OF THAT a substantially L-shaped projection (28, 76) is provided on said lower surface for supporting the panel on a panel support structure, the projection being shaped to engage a corresponding panel fixing bracket (29, 77) for fixing the panel to said support structure. 2. A plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein said L-shaped projection is proximate said second edge. 3. A plate as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal conduits are substantially parallel to each other side by side. 4. A plate as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inner conduits are separated from each other by a partition wall (9). 5. A plate as claimed in claim 4, wherein the partition wall (9) is cut away at one end to allow heat exchange fluid to pass from the supply path to the return path. 6. A plate as claimed in claim 5, wherein the the end of the plate adjacent to the cut-away end of the partition wall is closed by a closure plug (15). 7. A plate as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the end of the plate adjacent the non-cut-away end of the partition wall is closed by a closure plug (16) which houses conduits (35, 36) which provide fluid flow communication with the internal conduits. 8. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said second edge region (6) has a longitudinal groove (25) for accommodating a sealing strip (26) for sealing against the weather. 9. A panel as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said lateral extension (5a) has a longitudinal groove (17) for accommodating a sealing strip (18) for sealing against the weather. 10. A panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first edge portion has an internal recess (19) which has a lower web (20) and the second edge portion has an outwardly projecting rib (27) intended to bear, in use, against said lower web (20) of an adjacent such panel. 11. A panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a longitudinally extending foot (21, 75) intended to rest on a panel support structure (4, 62) in use. 12. A plate as claimed in claim 11, wherein said foot is proximate said first edge. 13. A plate as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the plate is of an undulating shape defining peaks and valleys, the peaks defining said advance and return paths (64, 65). 14. A plate as claimed in claim 13, wherein the said lateral extension is shaped to sit over and overlap a tip of an adjacent such plate, thereby effecting engagement therewith. 15. A plate as claimed in the preceding claim, which is a mold. 16. An ambient heat collector system comprising a plurality of plates (3) as claimed in any preceding claim, interlocking at their first and second edge regions, the supply (7, 64) and return (8, 65) paths being connected to heat storage devices (102, 103, 110). 17. A system according to claim 16, additionally comprising a heat pump device for conveying heat from said device for heat storage (102, 103) to a device (110) which utilizes the heat. 18. A system according to claim 15, wherein the heat pump device is arranged to transfer heat from said heat storage device (102, 103) to a further heat storage device (103, 110). 19. A, at least partial, cladding for a building, made of several panels according to one of claims 1 to 15. 20. A building incorporating a system according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 18.